Three cops implicated in a robbery incident in Kawit in February have been relieved from their respective units and placed under restrictive custody.
PRO 4A director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas during a press conference in Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba, Laguna, on March 6 (PRO 4A/MANILA BULLETIN)
The development was announced by Police Regional Office (PRO) 4A director Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth T. Lucas at a press conference in Camp Vicente Lim in Calamba City, Laguna, on Wednesday, March 6.
PRO 4A said the suspects forcibly entered two residential houses in Barangay Magdalo-Potol in Kawit on Feb. 13.
They reportedly tied the victims and held them at gunpoint while carting away valuable items, including cellphones, identification documents, a short firearm, and cash.
The investigation by the Kawit Municipal Police Station and the Provincial Intelligence Unit revealed that the van used by the suspects was rented to Senior Master Sergeant Jhon Paolo Maigue Mellona, assigned at the Cavite Provincial Intelligence and Detective Management Unit.
This initial lead has facilitated the identification of additional suspects implicated in the robbery, including Senior Master Sergeant Reynaldo Andrada Quilit Jr. of Cavite Provincial Intelligence Unit and Corporal Lynard Pastrana Pareja of the Laguna Provincial Drug Enforcement Unit.
Two civilian cohorts and four John Does also face charges of robbery in band following a formal complaint filed by the victims against the suspects with the Cavite Prosecutor’s Office in Imus City on March 5.
The three relieved cops have been reassigned to the Regional Headquarters Holding Area Section.
Lucas has already ordered the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division, in coordination with the Regional Internal Affairs Service, to conduct a parallel administrative investigation.
"I reiterate my clear stance against misconduct by any member of our force. We condemned such actions in the strongest terms and assure the public that these officers, if found guilty, will meet the full arms of the law,” the regional director said in a statement.
“We will ensure the safety and security of our community and we shall have zero tolerance for any form of criminal activity involving members of our police force."